You walk in on a teen who is cutting with a sharp object. What is the best initial action?

You walk in on a teen who is cutting with a sharp object. What is the best initial action?

• A. Stay with the client and direct her to put the object down.
• B. Sit down and ask the client to join you for a talk.
• C. Return to the nurse's station for assistance.
• D. Warn about pass.

Answer: (A)

The immediate priority is safety in a self-harm crisis. Stay with the teen and direct her to put the object down. Your presence provides a calming, protective boundary that reduces the chance of another impulsive action and signals you’re there to help, not judge. By keeping yourself with her, you can quickly assess for injuries, determine the level of risk, and decide on the next steps (securing the object, seeking additional support, and initiating a formal safety assessment). Once the immediate danger is addressed, you can transition to a supportive, nonjudgmental discussion to explore what led to the act, identify coping strategies, and arrange further mental health support.

The immediate priority is safety in a self-harm crisis. Stay with the teen and direct her to put the object down. Your presence provides a calming, protective boundary that reduces the chance of another impulsive action and signals you’re there to help, not judge. By keeping yourself with her, you can quickly assess for injuries, determine the level of risk, and decide on the next steps (securing the object, seeking additional support, and initiating a formal safety assessment). Once the immediate danger is addressed, you can transition to a supportive, nonjudgmental discussion to explore what led to the act, identify coping strategies, and arrange further mental health support.